How to Apply for Sharjah Visit Visa 2026

Quick answer

Most travellers apply for a 30-day UAE visit visa online via ICP or airline portals before arrival. The visa costs AED 300 for a single entry, AED 650 for multiple entries, and you can extend it once for another 30 days. Sharjah follows the same federal rules as Dubai, so the process is identical whether you land at SHJ or DXB.

Who needs a Sharjah visit visa in 2026?

Passport holders from 87 countries can enter visa-free for 30 or 90 days. Everyone else must obtain a visit visa. Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) issues the same federal sticker as any other UAE port, so the visa is valid across all seven emirates.

Types of visit visas available

• 30-day single-entry (AED 300)
• 60-day single-entry (AED 650)
• Multiple-entry 60 days (AED 650)
• Multiple-entry 5-year (AED 1,200) for frequent flyers

Visa-on-arrival vs pre-approved e-visa

Visa-on-arrival is granted at SHJ, DXB or AUH if your nationality is on the approved list and you hold a valid passport. Everyone else must apply for a pre-approved e-visa through ICP, airlines, or authorised travel agents.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a Sharjah visit visa

1. Check your eligibility

Visit the official ICP website or use the UAE visa smart app. Enter your nationality and passport expiry date. If you qualify for visa-on-arrival, no further action is needed before travel.

2. Prepare documents

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Coloured passport photo (white background)
• Return or onward ticket
• Hotel booking or host address in Sharjah
• Proof of funds (credit card or bank statement) — recommended but not always requested

3. Choose your application channel

ICP website or app – AED 122 service fee plus visa fee, processed in 1–3 working days.
Airline portals (Air Arabia, Emirates, flydubai) – same fee, often instant approval if you book the ticket with them.
Travel agents / typing centres in Sharjah – AED 50–100 extra for assisted service.

4. Pay and receive the visa

Payment is accepted by card or cash at typing centres. Once approved, you receive a PDF visa that you print or save on your phone. Present it together with your passport at immigration.

5. Enter Sharjah

Show your printed or digital visa at passport control. The officer will stamp your passport with the exact number of days granted. Keep the stamp page safe; you will need it for extensions or exit.

How to extend a Sharjah visit visa

Inside the UAE you can extend once for another 30 days via ICP centres in Sharjah or online. Cost is AED 650 plus a fine of AED 600 if you apply after expiry. You cannot extend beyond 60 days on a standard visit visa.

Common mistakes travellers make

• Applying for the wrong visa type (tourist instead of visit) and paying double
• Forgetting to print the visa or having low phone battery at immigration
• Booking a one-way ticket only — airlines may refuse boarding
• Staying longer than 30 days without an extension, incurring AED 50 daily fines

Tips for a smooth Sharjah visit visa experience

• Apply at least 72 hours before travel during peak seasons (December–March)
• Use the ICP app for real-time status updates instead of email
• If you plan multiple trips, the 5-year multiple-entry visa saves money after three visits
• Carry printed hotel booking in Sharjah; some officers ask for it even if you have a visa
• Keep AED 300 cash for any on-arrival upgrade if your e-visa fails

Sharjah vs Dubai visa: any difference?

None. Both emirates use the same federal ICP system. The only practical difference is that Sharjah International Airport queues are usually shorter and Air Arabia flights from SHJ are often cheaper.

Key takeaway

Applying for a Sharjah visit visa is straightforward: confirm eligibility, gather documents, pay AED 300 online or at the airport, and enjoy 30 days across the UAE. Apply early, keep digital and printed copies, and remember to extend before your stay ends to avoid fines.